Israeli naval forces intercepted the humanitarian vessel Madleen in international waters, detaining 12 international activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who were attempting to break Israel’s 18-year naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The vessel, carrying rice, baby formula, and other aid, was escorted to the port of Ashdod at approximately 8:45 p.m. local time (1745 GMT), according to Israeli authorities.

The Madleen was part of a peaceful mission to highlight Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and challenge the blockade, which Israel imposed in 2007 after Hamas took control of the enclave. Organizers and legal experts notes the interception in international waters has violated maritime law. Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, said the activists would be processed at a holding facility and deported, with the aid cargo to be delivered to Gaza through Israeli-controlled channels.

Skepticism persists among activists and human rights groups, who cite past delays or withholding of aid. The blockade, justified by Israel as a measure to prevent weapons from reaching Palestinian resistance groups, has been criticized as collective punishment, exacerbating dire conditions for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Since October 7, 2023, Gaza health authorities report over 54,000 Palestinians killed and widespread destruction of infrastructure amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.

The interception follows Israel’s tightened blockade in March, which blocked food, fuel, and medical supplies for nearly three months. Recent limited aid deliveries, distributed through Israeli-backed mechanisms, have led to reports of Palestinians killed while accessing distribution points.

Humanitarian organizations are demanding independent, internationally supervised aid access to Gaza and condemning the interception. The condition of the detained activists, including Thunberg, remains unclear, with advocacy groups calling for their immediate release and an end to actions they deem unlawful under international law. (ILKHA)